Cold Weather Garment

ABSTRACT

In one example embodiment of the present invention, the user carries a backpack, which holds the cape inside, until the user requires the cold weather garment. To use the cold weather garment, the user removes the cape from the bag, places the user&#39;s feet in the bag and wraps the cape around the user&#39;s body. In other embodiments, the cape may be designed to wrap about the users body and at least a portion of the users legs.

TECHNICAL FIELD

This disclosure pertains to a cold weather garment and method of usingsaid cold weather garment.

BACKGROUND

There are many cold weather activities, especially those involving longperiods of inactivity, which require the use of a warm garment. Many ofthese activities only require the warm garment at particular timesduring the activity. For example, the garment may not be needed whiletraveling to and from the activity but is needed during the activity.

Deer hunting, ice fishing or watching sporting events are some examplesof activities where a warm garment is not needed while traveling to andfrom the hunting spot, ice fishing spot or sporting event, but is neededduring the activity. For example, staying warm is not a problem whilewalking to and from the hunting or fishing spot because the physicalactivity of walking keeps the person warm. But when the person reachesthe desired fishing or hunting location they may sit still and becomecold without the proper gear. Additionally, a person may begin toperspire while walking to and from hunting or fishing spots, especiallyif they are wearing a warm garment.

Then, while sitting still waiting for fish to bite or a deer to pass by,a person may become cold because of the cold temperature and inactivity.Furthermore, they may become cold more quickly if they are damp fromperspiring. This situation can be exacerbated by wind drafting intoseams or openings in typical garments, such as jackets, for example.Jackets allow cold wind to penetrate the interior of the jacket throughthe bottom, the neck, and sleeves. Wind entering the interior of thejacket, especially in combination with perspiration, greatly reduces thegarment's ability to keep a person warm in cold environments.

SUMMARY

In one example embodiment of the present disclosure, a cold weathergarment is disclosed, which includes a bag made to receive a user's feetand a cape for wrapping around the user while in a sitting position. Thebag has at least one strap for carrying the bag. Capes made according tothe principles of the present disclosure can be made in any number ofshapes and sizes and can be made of various materials or combinations ofmaterials. For example, in one embodiment the cape may be constructed ofa weatherproof material. In yet another embodiment, the cape may beconstructed of a quiet material or both a quiet and weatherproofmaterial. The cape, along with the bag, could also be reversible suchthat different sides serve different functions.

In another example embodiment, the bag has shoulder straps, so the usercan carry the bag like a backpack. The user carries the backpack, whichhas the cape inside, until the user requires the cold weather garment.To use the cold weather garment, the user removes the cape from the bag,places the user's feet in the bag and wraps the cape around the user'sbody. In some embodiments, a portion of the cape can also wrap around aportion of the bag and the user's legs.

In yet another aspect of an example embodiment, the bag could include aflap for closing the bag when the bag is being transported or stored.When the bag is being used, the cape is removed from the bag. Again, theuser places his feet in the bag, but in this example embodiment, theuser takes the flap and places it over his lap and then wraps the capeabout the user's body to stay warm.

In yet another aspect of an example embodiment, the cold weather garmentcould include a backpack having a cape connected to the backpack suchthat the cape fits inside of the backpack and the backpack can be closedwhen not in use. When the user needs the garment to stay warm, the userremoves the cape from the backpack, places his feet inside the bag andwraps the cape around the user's body. In this example embodiment, thecape could include a hood to receive the user's head and fasteners onthe cape to keep the cape wrapped about the user's body.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of one example embodiment showing acold weather garment constructed according to the principles of thisdisclosure being used.

FIG. 2 is a side perspective view of the embodiment of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a side view of one example embodiment of the cold weathergarment constructed according to the principles of this disclosure inits storage and transportation mode.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the example embodiment shown in FIGS.1-3 constructed according to the principles of this disclosure.

FIG. 4( a) is a cross section of the bag shown in FIGS. 1-4.

FIG. 4( b) is a cross section of the cape shown in FIGS. 1-4.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of another example embodiment of a coldweather garment constructed according to the principles of thisdisclosure.

FIG. 6 is an example of a cape portion of an example embodiment of thecold weather garment constructed according to the principles of thisdisclosure.

FIG. 7 is another cape portion of an example embodiment of a coldweather garment constructed according to the principles of thisdisclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

With reference now to the various drawing figures in which identicalelements are numbered identically throughout, example embodimentsincorporating the principles of the present disclosure will now beprovided.

FIGS. 1-7 represent example embodiments made according to the principlesof the present disclosure. The example embodiments illustrated in FIGS.1-7 are only some of the many configurations that can be built accordingto this disclosure.

In the example embodiment shown in FIGS. 1-4, the cold weather garment113 generally comprises a bag 215, and a cape 100. The user sits downplacing his feet in the bag 215 and wraps the cape 100 around the user'sbody. The cape 100, as shown in the example embodiment in FIG. 1, wrapsaround the user and covers the top portion 210 of the bag 215.Alternatively, the cape 100 can be designed to cover the user's body andonly a portion or none of the top portion 210 of the bag 215. The cape100 may also include a hood 101 having hood flaps 103, which secure overa portion of the user's face to help trap body heat and prevent windfrom entering the cold weather garment 113.

The bag 215 includes at least one strap 212, and preferable two straps212 for carrying the bag 215. The bag 215 in the example embodimentshown in FIG. 1 includes a flap 203. The flap 203 can be used to closethe bag 215 when the cape 100 is being carried within the bag 215 asshown in FIG. 3. The flap 203 can also be used to cover the user'sthighs when the user's feet are positioned in the cavity 211 of the bag215 as shown in FIG. 1 and 2. The flap 203 may also include a handwarmer 204 for placing a user's hands into.

FIG. 2 is a side view of the example embodiment shown in FIG. 1 madeaccording to the principles of the present disclosure. FIG. 2 shows auser in a sitting position with his feet and a portion of his legs inthe bag 215 and the cape 100 wrapped around the user. The cape 100includes a hood 101 having concave sides 102 and hood flaps 103. Bag 215includes a flap 203, the flap 203 having a hand warmer 204. The flap 203covers the user's thighs and the user can place his hands in the handwarmer 204 attached to the flap 203. The cape 100 is wrapped around theuser's body to keep the user warm. In the example embodiment shown inFIG. 2, the cape 100 is attached to the bag 215 at the top portion 210of the back side 206, such that the user sits on a portion of the cape110 that is connected to the bag 215.

FIG. 3 is a side view of the example embodiment shown in FIGS. 1, 2 and4 in the storage and carrying configuration. In this configuration, thecape 100 is placed in the cavity 211 of the bag 215 and the flap 203 isplaced over the opening to the cavity 211. The flap 203 includes a handwarmer 204 on the outside of the flap 203. The flap 203 includes atleast one flap connector 213, which connects to at least one bagconnector 214 to keep the flap 203 secured over the cavity's 211opening. Alternatively, the bag 215 could have a drawstring that closesthe top portion 210 of the bag 215 to preclude at least partial accessto the cavity 211.

The bag 215, in this example embodiment, includes straps 212 such thatthe bag can be worn on the user's back. The bag could also have only onestrap to carry the bag. In this alternative configuration, the usercould strap the bag across his back using only one strap, or the usercould carry the bag, using the one strap, at his side with the strapover one of his shoulders. Alternatively, the strap could be designed tostrap the bag across the user's waist.

Referring now to FIG. 4, which illustrates in further detail the exampleembodiment of FIGS. 1-3. FIG. 4 shows a bag 215 having a cape 100 madefor keeping a person warm in cold temperatures.

The bag 215 has a front 205, a backside 206 a first side 207, a secondside 208 and a bottom 209. The bag 215 has a height 200, a width 201,and a depth 202. In certain embodiments, the height 200 can range fromapproximately 10 inches to approximately 36 inches, the width 201 canrange from approximately 10 inches to approximately 50 inches, and thedepth 202 can range from approximately 10 inches to approximately 24inches. Generally, the bag 215 is designed to receive the user's feetwhile wearing shoes or boots. Alternatively, the bag 215 could bedesigned to receive a user's feet without shoes or boots. The bag 215could also have at least one of the front 205, the back 206, the firstside 207 and the second side 208 include an elastic material to keep thebag 215 secured about at least a portion of a user's legs and to helpprevent air from entering the cavity 211 while the user's feet arewithin the bag 215. Alternatively, an embodiment made according to thepresent disclosure could include a drawstring assembly to tighten thebag around the user's legs to help prevent air from entering the cavitywhile the user's feet are within the bag.

The bag 215 could take on a variety of shapes including a rectangle asshown in FIG. 4, or the bag could be circular in shape, half-circular inshape (see bag 415 illustrated in FIG. 5), or any other shape that coulddefine a cavity 211 made to receive a user's feet. The bag could also beconfigured to the contours of a user's feet, such that little extraspace is provided after the user's feet are placed within the bag. Thebag 215 could also be reversible. For example, the bag 215 could haveone side made of orange or orange camouflage material and the reverseside, i.e. when the bag 215 is turned inside out, could be made of greencamouflage material or any other material having various colors,patterns or designs.

The bag 215 as depicted in FIG. 4 includes a flap 203, having a handwarmer 204 connected to the flap 203. The hand warmer 204 could bepermanently attached to the flap 203, or alternatively, the hand warmercould be detachably secured to the flap 203. The flap 203 also includestwo connector elements 213, which connect to corresponding connectorelements 214 attached to the bag 215 such that when connector elements213 and 214 are connected, the flap 203 covers the opening to the cavity211. The flap 203 could be connected to the front side 205 at the topportion 210 of the bag 215. Alternatively, the flap 203 could beconnected to any portion of the bag 215 such that it can cover theopening of the bag 215 and, when in use, cover the user's thighs.

The bag 215 also includes straps 212 for carrying the bag about aperson's shoulders. The straps 212 can be adjustable such that they canaccommodate a variety of different sized persons. The straps 212 can bemade out of any suitable material strong enough to support the contentsof the bag about the user's shoulders. The straps 212 may also be paddedfor comfort. The straps 212 could be connected to the front side 205 ofthe bag 215 or any other operable position on the bag 215.

The bag 215 may be made out of one material and one layer or a varietyof materials and a variety of layers or any combination of layers andmaterials. The bag 215, for example, could have an outer protectivelayer 216, a middle insulating layer 217, and an inner layer 218 asshown in FIG. 4( a). Alternatively, the bag 215 may be made of just onesuitable material. The outer portion 216 of the bag 215, for example,may be made out of nylon, rubber, Gore-Tex® fabric from W. L. Gore &Associates, Inc., WindStopper® fabric also from W. L. Gore & Associates,Inc., fleece, wool or any of a variety of suitable materials used bythose of skill in the art.

The bag 215 may have an insulation layer 217 as shown in FIG. 4( a). Theinsulation layer 217, for example, could be made of compressedpolyester, wool, down, or any other suitable insulating material knownto those of skill in the art. The bag 215 may also have an inner layer218. The inner layer 218, for example, may be made of wool, fleece,cotton or any of a variety of suitable materials known to those of skillin the art.

In one embodiment, the bag could be made of a weatherproof material.Alternatively, the bag or a portion or layer of the bag could be waterresistant, waterproof, wind resistant or windproof or any sensiblecombination thereof. Alternatively, the bag could be designed such thatit has one layer that it is more water resistant than another. The bagcould also be designed such that it has one layer that it is more windresistant than another. The bag could also be designed such that it hasone layer that it is more weatherproof than another.

As described, the bag 215 could be made out of any suitable material, orcombination thereof, depending upon the bag's purpose or use. Forexample, if the bag 215 was to be made for hunting purposes, thematerial could be a durable, waterproof and windproof material and alsoa quiet material so animals do not hear the bag 215 when it is moved orobjects brush against it. The bottom of the bag 209 and at least aportion of the first side 207, second side 208, back side 206, and frontside 205, could be made of a waterproof material such that when the bag215 is on the ground and the user's feet are placed inside the bag 215,the user's feet will remain dry.

FIG. 4 also illustrates one example embodiment of a cape built inaccordance with the principles of the present disclosure. The cape 100,as shown in the example embodiment of FIG. 4, could include a variety offeatures such as cape fasteners 108, cape connectors 109, a belt loop107 and a belt 106. The cape fasteners 108 and the cape connectors 109work in conjunction to fasten the cape 100 around a user and hold it inplace. The cape 100 could also include a belt loop 107 and a belt 106for holding a portion of the cape about a user's torso. The belt loop107 and belt 106 may be configured such that it works with or as asafety belt for use in a tree stand. A safety belt is a device thatprevents a user from falling while in an elevated location, such as atree stand. In this configuration, the belt 106 could be attached to orpart of a safety belt connected to a tree to keep a user from fallingout of the tree stand. Alternatively, the cape could have verticalstraps that would hold a portion of the cape on the user's back andshoulders. Or the cape could have both vertical straps and a belt.

The cape 100 could also include a hood 101. The hood 101 could haveconcave edges 102 and hood flaps 103. The concave edges 102 help not toblock a person's peripheral vision. The hood flaps 103 are designed suchthat they cover the user's neck and in some embodiments, a portion of auser's face. The hood flaps 103 can be fastened into place usingbuttons, snaps, Velcro, or any other suitable connecting mechanism. Theflaps 103 are designed to at least partially keep the wind from enteringthe interior of the cold weather garment 113. The portion of the flaps103 that contact the face could be made of a soft comfortable materialso as not to irritate the user's skin. The exterior of the flaps 103could be made of a windproof and waterproof material to guard a userfrom the elements. Generally, the flaps 103 could be made of anysuitable material or combination of materials known to those of skill inthe art.

The cape 100, like the bag 215, could also be reversible. For example,the cape 100 could have one side made of orange or orange camouflagematerial and the reverse side could be made of green camouflagematerial. The cape 100 could also have any number of designs printed onit or be made of material having different designs. As described above,the cape could be made at least partially of a material having acamouflage pattern. The cape 100 could also have a sports team emblem onit or made of the team's colors.

In the example embodiment shown in FIG. 4, the cape 100 is connected tothe bag 215 using a cape connector 109 at about the cape mid-section 110on to the backside 206 of the bag 215. The cape connector 109 could bebuttons, snaps, a zipper, or any other suitable device for connectingtwo pieces together. Alternatively, the cape 100 could also be integralto the bag 215, such that the bag 215 and the cape 100 are one piece.The cape 100 could also be detached from the bag 215 and the coldweather garment 113 would still be constructed according to theprinciples of the present disclosure.

Alternatively, the cape 100 could be attached to the bag 215 at anyoperable place on the bag 215, as the embodiment shown in the figuresare merely example embodiments. The cape 100 could be attached along atleast a perimeter of the bag 215, for example, along a portion of thetop portion 210 of the bag 215. Such a design could aid in wrapping theuser and preventing heat from escaping the interior of the cold weathergarment 113 during use. The cape 100 could also be designed such thatthe user sits on a portion of the cape 100 or the bag 215 where the cape100 connects to the bag 215. A pad could also be positioned such that auser sits on the pad when using the cold weather garment 113. The padcould be integral to the bag or the cape or a portion of both, or thepad could be detachably connected to the cape or bag.

Like the bag 215, the cape 100 could be made of one layer or a varietyof layers and materials. The cape 100 may be made of various layers ofmaterial such as, an outer protective layer 114, a middle insulatinglayer 115 and an inner layer 116 as shown in FIG. 4( b). Alternatively,the cape 100 may be made of just one suitable material. The outerprotective layer 114 of the cape 100, for example, may be made out ofnylon, rubber, Gore-Tex® fabric from W. L. Gore & Associates, Inc.,WindStopper® fabric also from W. L. Gore & Associates, Inc., fleece,wool or any of a variety of suitable materials used by those of skill inthe art.

In one embodiment, the cape or a portion or layer of the cape could bemade of a weatherproof material. Alternatively, the cape or a portion orlayer of the cape could be water resistant, waterproof, wind resistantor windproof or any sensible combination thereof. Alternatively, theouter protective layer could be designed such that it is more waterresistant that the insulation layer or inner layer. The outer protectivelayer could also be designed such that it is more wind resistant thatthe insulation layer or inner layer. The outer protective layer couldalso be designed such that it is more weatherproof that the insulationlayer or inner layer. The cape, as described above, could be made of abreathable material. The cape could also be treated with a durable waterrepellant polymer or any other chemical suitable for weatherproofingpurposes.

The cape 100 may have an insulation layer. The middle insulation layer,for example, could be made of compressed polyester, wool, down, or anyother suitable insulating material known to those of skill in the art.The cape could be designed such that it has one layer that is moreinsulated than another. The inner layer of the cape 100, for example,may be made of wool, fleece, cotton or any of a variety of suitablematerial known to those of skill in the art. The materials used toconstruct the cape can be selected by those of skill in the artdepending on the purpose or purposes of the cold weather garment 113.

In other embodiments, the cape could be designed such that it has onelayer that it is more water resistant than another. The bag could alsobe designed such that it has one layer that it is more wind resistantthan another. The bag could also be designed such that it has one layerthat it is more weatherproof than another.

The cold weather garment 113 could also have different capes fordifferent uses and temperatures. For example, the different capes couldhave various amounts of insulation, be made of different materials, orhave different designs depending on the intended purpose. Thus,different capes could be interchangeable with the bag 215. Cold weathergarments built according to the principles of the present inventioncould be sold as kits, including the bag and the cape, or the bag andthe cape could be sold separately.

In the example embodiment illustrated in FIG. 4, the cape 100 is wingshaped. Wing-shaped as used herein means any shape having two sides thatprotrude outward at least a distance such that a user can wrap the cape100, which at least partially overlaps itself, around the user. Thus arectangle would have a mid-section and two square wings protrudingtherefrom. A circle would also have a mid-section formed at a diameter,and the two half circles would make the wings protruding out from thediameter line. Alternatively, the cape could be constructed in any shapesuch that it wraps around the user. Thus, the cape could be a variety ofshapes, for example, the cape could be approximately rectangular,approximately diamond shaped or approximately trapezoidal in shape.Additionally, the cape could be concave such that it cups around theuser and facilitates wrapping the user.

The cape 100, as illustrated in example embodiment of FIG. 4, has afirst length 111 and a second length 112. In one embodiment, the secondlength 112 could be longer than the first length 111. The second length112 could be approximately 1.5 times longer than the first length 111.The second length 112 could also be approximately 2 times longer thanthe first length 111. Alternatively, the second length 112 could beapproximately the same length as the first length 111.

Alternatively, the cape 100 could have a first length 111 that rangesfrom approximately 12 inches to approximately 62 inches, and a secondlength 112 that ranges from approximately 30 inches to approximately 120inches. The cape 100 could also have a first length 111 that ranges fromapproximately 24 inches to approximately 52 inches, and a second length112 that ranges from approximately 48 inches to approximately 72 inches.In yet another embodiment, the first length 111 of the cape could beapproximately 42 inches in length and the second length 112 of the cape100 could be approximately 96 inches in length. As discussed above, thecape 100 can be designed such that it fits into the cavity 211 of thebag 215. The cape 100 could also be designed such that it wraps aroundthe user's body and at least a portion of the bag 215 when the user'sfeet and a portion of their legs are placed inside the bag 215.

When a person wishes to use the cold weather garment 113 as illustratedin FIGS. 1-4, the user removes the cape 100 from the cavity 211 of thebag 215, places the user's feet in the cavity 211, places the flap 203on the user's thighs while the user is in a sitting position, and wrapsthe cape 100 around the user. The user can place his head in the hood101 and also fasten the cape fasteners 108 to the cape connectors 109 sothat the cape 100 remains around the user.

When a user wishes to store or transport the cold weather garment 113,as illustrated in FIGS. 1-4, the user removes the cape 100 from aroundthe user, stands up, removes his feet from the bag 215 and stuffs thecape 100 in the cavity 211, closes the bag 215 and can then use thestraps 212 to carry the bag 215.

FIG. 5 illustrates another example embodiment constructed according tothe principles of the present disclosure. FIG. 5 illustrates a bag 415and a cape 300. The cape 300, in this embodiment resembles a poncho. Thecape 300 has a cape mid section 310 and a cape connector 309. The cape300 also has a hood 301. The hood 301 has concave edges 302. The bag 415as illustrated in FIG. 5 also has straps 412, a flap 403, a hand warmer404 and flap connectors 413.

FIGS. 6 and 7 show alternative example embodiments of the cape. FIG. 6illustrates a cape 500 having a hood 501, hood flaps 503 and a capeconnector 509. The cape 500 illustrated in FIG. 6 is approximatelyrectangular in shape. FIG. 7 illustrates another example embodiment of acape 600 constructed according to the principles of the presentdisclosure. The cape 600 has a cape connector 609 and a hood 601. Thehood 601 has concave edges 602. Alternatively, the cape 600 could beconstructed without a hood. FIG. 7 also illustrates a cape 600 havingarm sleeves 605. Alternatively, the cape 600 could be sleeveless.

The above specification, examples and data provide a completedescription of the manufacture and use of an embodiment the invention.Since many embodiments of the invention can be made without departingfrom the spirit and scope of the invention, the invention resides in theclaims hereinafter appended.

1. A method, comprising: providing a bag defining a cavity and anopening granting access to the cavity, the bag including a cape storedwithin the cavity of the bag; removing the cape from the cavity of thebag; placing an individual's feet and a portion of the individual's legsin the cavity of the bag; and sitting down and wrapping the cape aroundthe individual's body.
 2. A method of using a cold weather garment, themethod comprising: providing a backpack defining a cavity and a topportion defining an opening to the cavity, the backpack including aflap, and the backpack including a cape storable within the cavity ofthe backpack, the cape being wing shaped such that the cape tapers froma first length of the cape, at least a portion of which is coupled tothe backpack, to a second length that is a free end of the cape, thefirst length being greater than the second length; removing the capefrom the cavity of the backpack; placing an individual's feet and aportion of the individual's legs in the cavity of the backpack; wrappingthe cape around the individual's body; and covering the individual'sthighs using the flap when the individual is sitting.
 3. The method ofclaim 2, further comprising fastening fasteners on the cape when thecape is wrapped around the individual's body.
 4. The method of claim 2,further comprising placing the individual's hands into a hand warmerthat is coupled to the flap.
 5. The method of claim 2, furthercomprising fastening a belt that extends around the individual's torso,the belt being coupled to the cape.
 6. The method of claim 2, furthercomprising detaching the cape from the backpack.
 7. The method of claim2, further comprising: uncovering the individual's thighs; unwrappingthe cape from around the individual's body; removing the individual'sfeet and legs from the cavity of the backpack; and placing the cape intothe cavity of the backpack.
 8. A method of using a cold weather garment,the method comprising: providing a backpack defining a cavity and a topportion defining an opening to the cavity, the backpack including a flaphaving a hand warmer, and the backpack including a cape storable withinthe cavity of the backpack, the cape being wing shaped such that thecape tapers from a first length of the cape, at least a portion of whichis coupled to the backpack, to a second length that is a free end of thecape, the first length being greater than the second length, and thecape including fasteners and a belt; removing the cape from the cavityof the backpack; placing the individual's feet and a portion of theindividual's legs in the cavity of the backpack; wrapping the capearound the individual's body; fastening the fasteners on the cape andthe belt; covering the individual's thighs using the flap when theindividual is sitting; and placing the individual's hands into the handwarmer.
 9. The method of claim 8, further comprising detaching the capefrom the backpack.
 10. The method of claim 8, further comprising:removing the individual's hands from the hand warmer; uncovering theindividual's thighs; unfastening the fasteners on the cape and the belt;unwrapping the cape from the individual's body; removing theindividual's feet and the individual's legs from the cavity of thebackpack; and placing the cape into the cavity of the backpack.